The Lunar New Year Brush

So first off let me say sorry, as I’ve only ventured into animal hair brushes the past 8 months or so, and at first bought a lot of WG and Sonia G Saikoho goat brushes, and just recently ventured into blue squirrel. I don’t own any Chikuhodo brushes yet so this is my first. But compared to the Wayne Goss Airbrush, this thing is stunning. I thought the airbrush was to die for in softness, but this brush is so much softer, and I didn’t think that was possible. I will definitely be buying more Chikuhodo brushes after this!. I also showed it with the WG #2 for size compairison. Thanks Beautylish for the excellent customer service yet again!!

I'm a huge Chikuhodo brush fan and this one did not disappoint, especially considering the price. This brush is right on par with the Makie series powder brushes. The handle is of the same quality as the Chikuhodo Makie Series MK-MO powder brush, as well as the super soft and luxurious blue squirrel hairs. That being said, I do prefer the glossy lacquered handles of the original MK powder brushes, but the matte finish is still very nice and the art work is absolutely beautiful in person. I definitely would recommend this brush over the MK-MO brush, but only because of the price, which in my opinion should have been priced in line with this brush. However, to be fair, the brush hairs on the Lunar New Year brush seem slightly more compact with slightly less brush hairs than the MK-MO brush, but it's still a beautifully made brush. It works like a dream for face powders, blush, and highlighters. I LOVE it! What I love most about squirrel hair brushes in general is that they apply powder products without disturbing my foundation, and is great for people with sensitive skin. A must have for the collector and a perfect entry level brush for anyone wanting to experience blue squirrel powder brushes for the first time. Photographed below is all of my Chikuhodo powder brushes in case anyone is interested in seeing how it looks in comparison to the others in my collection.

Not going to lie, I didn't need this brush, but the makie print is way too cute. It's just as I thought, another version of the MK-MO. The hair is incredibly soft and bundled perfectly. If you didn't care for the MK-MO's makie print and you don't mind not having a fancy box, AND you love these little pigs, definitely pick one up if they come back in stock. Way cheaper and way cuter IMO.

Might I say that this year is even prettier than last year. The shiny handle with gloss makie is so much brighter and shinier than last years (the pig handle was matte)! In my opinion you are crazy to not get this. The Chikuhodo Z1, Z9 and Makie brushes are all $178 and yet this amazing brush is $125. And I honestly find them to be all the same! Below you will find the rat (unwashed), the pig, the MK-MO, and Z9. If you want the same quality for a better price, this is the brush for you. (Especially if you’re Canadian due to how bad the exchange rate is right now)

I’m thrilled with this brush. Its tightly packed and actually firm enough to pick up product but soft enough not to disturb foundation. Now I wish I’d ordered more than one. The design on the handle is adorable and detailed. A+, 5 stars, circle claps, and blown kisses. I can’t wait for next year’s version!

I missed out on last year’s but this year’s design is even more beautiful. I was a little bit hesitate to order it at first thinking that it looks very similar to the Chikuhodo Z8 (which I already own), but it’s much bigger and it’s more like a bigger petal brush. I can totally see myself using it for bronzers and setting powders. It’s just as soft as other Chikuhodo squirrel brushes.

First off this brush is a beauty and wonderfully soft, and the detailing is just too cute! That said I really wish the brush had the logo of the brush maker engraved, as is typical with other Beautylish collabs. Hence the 4 stars. Not too important but I also noticed the plastic sleeve didn't have the typical Kumano, Japan seal that all sleeves for all my other higher-end natural brushes arrived in e.g. Sonia G, Chikuhodo, Hakuhodo, Rephr etc.

Listen. I was expecting a beautifully made brush, but OMG I was not ready. The glossy lacquered handle as a backdrop for the beautiful artwork is simply stunning. Beauty, chikuhodo quality, and function, worth every dime. Another must have for the collector as well as for those wanting to try Japanese handmade brushes for the first time.

I’ve never owned a chikihodo brush before but i do have a blue squirrel hair brush by Wayne Goss so I knew i loved the softness. These brush hairs are also incredibly soft, though less pliable than my Wayne Goss highliting brush. I think that’s perfect for this face brush. It still applies setting (& other face) powders very softly so it doesn’t disturb the base underneath, but it allows better control and precision for any colored face powders you’re wanting to use it to apply, such as bronzer. Of course, i chose this particular brush for its adorable design (I’m a year of the pig) and it doesn’t disappoint. Such a unique piece for a pretty decent price from what i can tell chikihodo usually charges for this brush.

This is a fabulous brush from the artwork to the actual brush. Love the little piggies on the handle. The blue squirrel is so soft. I don't wear much powder and this brush lays down just the the right amount of powder down. Not too much and not too little. Perfect!